Blackfeet teens debut documentary about heavy metal music as suicide prevention
High school students premiered ‘HEAVY’ to showcase their work with the Browning Public Schools' Heavy Music Symposium
A new documentary made by Blackfeet high school students shows how a heavy metal music program can be a viable resource for Native American mental health and suicide prevention.
‘HEAVY’ is a collaborative production with the Browning Public Schools' Heavy Music Symposium, Firekeeper Alliance and MAPS Media Institute. It premiered in Browning, MT at Buffalo Hide Academy on Sept. 24.
The Heavy Metal Symposium is an 18-week workshop that connects Blackfeet students with musicians and other artists. It culminates with the Fire in the Mountains music festival.
Emily Edwards, a junior at Browning High School, told the Pioneer Press that the Heavy Music Symposium gives her space to be expressive without judgment.
"Music means a lot to me, and it has truly saved me at low points in my life. Music is like a floatie in a pool when I feel like I'm drowning,” she was quoted as saying.
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